Several factors go into making up a person’s Emotional Intelligence, and self-regulation is one of the most important. Self-Regulation speaks to one’s ability to manage emotions in a social setting. Someone with a high level of self-regulation is likely to succeed under pressure and not be discouraged when things don’t go their way.
It can be quite a challenge to regulate our actions and emotions. The good news is that self-regulation is a skill that can be improved with work and effort. If you are someone who is not at the top of your self-regulation game currently, it’s a good idea to avoid these three situations in the workplace.
| Working a Job You Don’t Enjoy
While we all need a source of income, working a job you don’t like sets you up to fail. The average person spends one third of their lives at work (including about half of their waking hours) so why not work somewhere that makes you happy? When you do what you love, it doesn’t feel like work. |
| Venting Your Unhappiness at Work
Venting may feel good in the moment but regret lasts much longer. Take a deep breath, walk away and think twice before lashing out and coming to regret it. Ask yourself if what you’re about to say is constructive or destructive and whether or not it provides a solution. |
| Focusing on a Past Negative when Interviewing
Everyone has had a previous negative employment situation. When interviewing for a potential employment opportunity, avoid dragging past negatives into an interview. When referring to a past problem or negative situation, refer to it as a challenge instead. Stay positive! |
Read more about learning how to use mindfulness to improve your emotional intelligence.